TEHRAN – Kazakh director Yerlan Nurmukhambetov’s “The Walnut Tree” won the best film award in the Asian and Islamic countries section -- Eastern Vista -- at the 34th Fajr International Film Festival. 

Starring Rustem Zhanyamanov and Balnur Asyl, the social drama produced by JSC Kazakhfilm gently blends satire with an open-hearted attitude toward human imperfection and the simple pleasures of life. 

Set in a southern Kazakh village, the movie tells the story of lovers Gabit and Aisulu who are willing to stand against deeply-rooted-in-time traditions and culture. 

The award for best director went to Algerian filmmaker 
Merzak Allounache for “Madame Courage”, which is about a young Algerian thief who develops an obsession with a teenage girl. 

Iranian filmmaker Behruz Nuranipur received an honorable mention for his documentary “A157”, a tragedy about three Kurdish girls who became pregnant after being raped by members of ISIS.

A lineup of fifteen movies vied for awards in the Eastern Vista section, among them were “Solomon” directed by Zaza Khalvashi from Georgia, “My Sister, the Pig Lady” by Jang Moon-il from South Korea and “What a Wonderful Family!” by Yoji Yamada from Japan.
The best film award in the Interfaith Section of the festival went to director Mehdi Qorbanpur for his documentary “Zmnako”.  

Australia-based Iranian filmmaker Amin Palangi was presented with the Muhammad al-Ameen Award for “Love and Marriage in Kabul”. The award is dedicated to films promoting Islam. 

Dozens of cineastes, critics and moviegoers from Iran and around the globe attended closing ceremony of the 34th Fajr International Film Festival, which was held at Tehran’s Vahdat Hall on Monday.

Photo: A shot from “The Walnut Tree” 

AFM/YAW
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